Arlo Camera Wrong Timestamp? Fix It with These Expert Steps

Arlo Camera Showing the Wrong Timestamp? Here's How to Fix It

Incorrect timestamps on your Arlo camera footage can undermine the reliability of your recordings, making them unsuitable for evidence or review. This issue typically stems from misconfigured time zones, failed network time protocol (NTP) synchronisation, or manual settings overriding automatic updates. The good news is, most problems can be resolved with a few targeted steps using Arlo's dedicated tools. Let's get started with the quick fixes that address the most common causes.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, try these 30-second checks that often resolve timestamp issues:

• Power cycle your camera: Unplug the camera (or remove the battery for battery-powered models) for 30 seconds, then reconnect. This can reset temporary glitches.
• Restart the Arlo Secure app: Close the app completely and reopen it. If the issue persists, log out of your account and log back in.
• Check the LED status: A solid green LED indicates the camera is connected to the correct network. A blinking LED may suggest a connectivity issue.
• Verify power cable/battery: For battery-powered models, check the Battery Health Monitor in the app. If below 20%, charge fully before proceeding.
• Check app login: Ensure you're logged in with the correct account. Timestamp errors can sometimes occur if the app is using a different user profile.

Check Your Arlo Camera's Time Zone Settings

The first step in resolving timestamp errors is confirming your camera's time zone matches your local settings. Arlo cameras automatically sync with the NTP server, but this can fail if the time zone is incorrect.

Accessing Time Settings in the Arlo Secure App

1. Open the Arlo Secure app and select your camera from the device list.
2. Tap Device Settings → Time & Date.
3. Ensure the Time Zone is set to your current location (e.g. Europe/London for UK users).
4. If the time zone is incorrect, tap Edit and select the appropriate zone from the list.
5. Save your changes and wait for the camera to resynchronise with the NTP server.

Manual NTP Configuration (Advanced Users)

If automatic syncing fails, you can manually configure NTP settings:

• Navigate to Advanced Settings → Network → NTP Server.
• Enter a custom NTP server address (e.g. time.google.com or time.nist.gov).
• Save and restart the camera. This step is recommended only if the default server is unreachable.

Troubleshoot Your Arlo Camera's Wi-Fi Connection

A stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for accurate timestamping, as the camera relies on NTP servers to synchronise time. If your network is unstable, the camera may fail to update its clock correctly.

Check Your Camera's Wi-Fi Band

Arlo cameras typically require a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection for optimal performance. Some UK ISPs use a single SSID for both bands, but the 5GHz band may not be suitable for your camera.

Is your camera battery-powered or wired?

• Battery-powered → Ensure your router broadcasts a 2.4GHz network. If only a 5GHz network is available, your camera may struggle to connect.
• Wired → Check your router's settings to confirm the camera is connected to the correct Wi-Fi band.

Use the Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Tool

The Arlo Secure app includes a dedicated Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Tool to diagnose connectivity issues:

1. Open the app and select your camera.
2. Tap Device Settings → Wi-Fi Troubleshooting Tool.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to test signal strength and identify potential network issues.
4. If the tool detects a weak signal, move the camera closer to your router or reduce interference from other devices.

Reset Your Arlo Camera for Timestamp Calibration

If basic fixes fail, resetting your camera can resolve persistent timestamp errors. The reset process varies by model, so ensure you follow the correct procedure for your device:

Resetting Arlo Pro 6 Cameras

1. Locate the Sync button on the camera's side.
2. Press and hold the button for 10 seconds until the LED blinks blue.
3. The camera will reset and reconnect to your network. Allow 2-3 minutes for it to resynchronise with the NTP server.

Resetting Arlo Essential 2K Cameras

1. Find the Pairing button on the top of the camera.
2. Hold the button for 15-30 seconds until the LED blinks amber three times.
3. Ensure your router supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi during this process, as 5GHz bands may disrupt synchronisation.

Resetting Arlo Essential Indoor Cameras

1. Press and hold the Sync button on the back of the camera for 20-30 seconds.
2. The LED will blink blue before returning to a solid state. The camera will automatically reconnect to your network.

Advanced Diagnostics and Support

If your camera still displays incorrect timestamps after resetting, it's time to delve into more advanced diagnostics and consider contacting Arlo support.

Analyze Firmware and App Settings

Outdated firmware or app settings can sometimes cause timestamp issues. Ensure your camera is running the latest software:

1. In the Arlo Secure app, navigate to Device Settings → Firmware Update.
2. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it. This process may take several minutes.
3. After updating, restart the camera and check if the timestamp issue is resolved.

Submit a Support Request

If all else fails, submit a detailed support request through the Arlo Secure app:

1. Open the app and go to Support → Contact Us.
2. Select Technical Issue and describe the problem in detail.
3. Include a video clip showing the timestamp error, your camera model, firmware version, and WiFi signal strength (found in the Signal Strength Meter).
4. Arlo's support team will guide you through advanced diagnostics and may request additional logs for further analysis.

Understanding the Root Causes of Timestamp Errors

Incorrect timestamps can arise from several factors, including misconfigured time zones, failed NTP synchronisation, or unstable Wi-Fi connections. In the UK, network-specific challenges such as double NAT from Virgin Media hubs or CGNAT from mobile broadband providers can also disrupt time server communication. Additionally, older firmware versions or manual settings overriding automatic updates may contribute to the issue. It's important to note that these problems are typically not due to hardware faults but rather configuration or connectivity issues that can be resolved with the right troubleshooting steps.

Prevention and Long-Term Care

To avoid future timestamp errors, follow these best practices:

• Regularly check your camera's time zone settings in the Arlo Secure app to ensure they match your local time.
• Monitor your camera's Wi-Fi signal strength using the Signal Strength Meter. Weak signals can disrupt NTP synchronisation.
• Keep your camera's firmware up to date by enabling automatic updates in the app settings.
• Use UK-compliant transformers for wired models to avoid voltage fluctuations that could disrupt communication with time servers.

Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this—the frustration of cameras that show incorrect timestamps despite correct settings. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via ethernet, eliminating the risk of battery drain or network instability affecting time synchronisation.

When to Consider Replacement

If your Arlo camera consistently displays incorrect timestamps despite following all troubleshooting steps, it may be time to consider replacement. Most Arlo cameras have a lifespan of 3-5 years for battery-powered models and 5-8 years for wired models. Signs that replacement is needed include persistent hardware failures, sensor degradation, or outdated firmware that cannot be updated. Under the UK Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have up to 6 years to claim faulty goods (5 years in Scotland). If your camera is still under warranty, contact Arlo support for replacement options. For out-of-warranty devices, consult a professional installer for advice on upgrading to a newer model.